Ever hear the expression "Revenge is sweet"? Well, guess what—it's not. At least not in this story. It's the least sweet thing ever.
The story of revenge in The Tale of Despereaux is the story of Roscuro. Roscuro's entirely consumed by the idea of revenge against Princess Pea. He's particularly resentful of the way that she looked at him the one time he ventured up into the castle, and how she said the word "rat" as though it was this dirty, despicable thing. He hates her for making him feel like he's so worthless, and resents the fact that her outburst made him fall into the queen's soup—which led to his being blamed for the queen's death.
Roscuro's revenge drives much of the book's plot. It completely transforms Roscuro's personality. He's obsessed with revenge, and it eventually leaves him unhappy and alone. So, so—not sweet at all.
Questions About Revenge
- Is Roscuro's wish for revenge out of proportion to what Pea actually did to him?
- How does the king punish rats and soup when the queen dies?
- Does Mig go along with Roscuro's plan of revenge all the way?
- Why doesn't Despereaux seek revenge against his family for betraying him?
Chew on This
King Phillip's revenge against rats and soup is just plain ridiculous, but because he's eventually able to get over it, it doesn't permanently damage him.
Seeking revenge might be understandable, but it's never a good idea, according to the story.